[zipstic]

After a lot of research, reading user reviews on this site and deliberation, I finally decided to go with KW V1 coilovers for my 2008 335xi coupe.

In my suspension I wanted a setup that would:
-Be fine for daily driving
-Not be too harsh driving in the city
-Keep the car planted during turning
-Reduce body roll
-Get rid of the sensation that the car is going to take-off like a plane with all of the air flowing under it
-Get rid of the rake
-Get rid of the 4x4 look
-Not be too expensive

At one time or another I was considering the following options: Eibach/Bilstein, H&R Sport/Bilstein, TC Kline coilovers, HPA coilovers and KW V1 coilovers. I don't track the car at all so I thought KW V3's would have been overboard and I didn't have a lot of interest in H&R coilovers.

I was very close to getting the Eibach/Bilstein set since it covered almost all of my suspension needs, but I couldn’t get over the fact that it still looked like there was a slight rake on the e92. H&R Sport/Bilstein would have been too harsh of a ride based off of reading user reviews, TC Kline’s were too expensive and HPA’s are not able to be lowered enough without compromising the suspension for my tastes. That left KW V1’s and I was concerned that they would ride too harsh, but after reading countless threads, I decided to give them a shot.

I’ve had them on for 2 weeks now and I have to say that I absolutely love them. I was concerned that they were going to be too harsh, but they aren’t at all. As many people have said, this is the way the suspension should have come from the factory. There are days where I forget that I’m even driving on coilovers. The KW V1’s fit all of my needs perfectly.

I also want to note that I am a driving enthusiast, not an expert. I had coilovers on my old A4 so I’ve had experience with an upgraded suspension, but I can’t tell you every tiny detail about the mechanics and physics of the suspension like others can on this forum (but I am trying to learn as much as I can!) My point is that I’m sure there are others on the forum that are in the same boat as me who want to get rid of the 4x4 look without compromising the ride quality of riding on a suspension that would jar you every time you hit an imperfection in the road. If you’re in that situation, I would highly recommend KW V1’s.

Ok, enough writing. Here are the pics! That’s why you clicked into this thread in the first place! (Oh, I also Plasti-Dipped my trim a few weeks ago too!)

[Vegetable]

Nice review. Car looks great.

[Flyer]

I bought a new xi a few months ago, and have been going crazy reading about suspension upgrades. Thanks much for the write-up!!!

[scooby9]

I like the amount of drop you have set up. Looks great!

[AlexJK2356]

Was seriously thinking about picking these up. Thanks for making my choice an easy one.

Car looks awesome BTW.

[DLam]

drop looks good. i too got the kw v1 and love them

[giaolong]

Car is looking good.
I would get a front lip and spacer those wheels out a bit and ur golden.

[elinstylez]

Great review; this will help me in my decision to get the v1.

[zipstic]

Thanks everyone for the compliments!

Originally Posted by giaolong

Car is looking good.
I would get a front lip and spacer those wheels out a bit and ur golden.

I was thinking spacers would be a good idea. A front lip would look great, but I'd be worried it would get torn off after the first major snow fall in Minnesota. I don't want to be too much like a snowplow

[nailer335]

Looks good, like you and others say- this is how it should have been made, or at least this should have been part of the factory sport package. Spacers will complete the stance for sure. Im assuming the front license plate is a necessity. Too bad... IMO it really fouls up the look in front, on all cars that drive in places where it seems to matter legally :-/

[ATC335]

I got h&r, and yes there is a rake and the ride is f*****g stiff. You convinced me.

[zipstic]

Originally Posted by nailer335

Looks good, like you and others say- this is how it should have been made, or at least this should have been part of the factory sport package. Spacers will complete the stance for sure. Im assuming the front license plate is a necessity. Too bad... IMO it really fouls up the look in front, on all cars that drive in places where it seems to matter legally :-/

Yep, there's a front plate law in Minnesota unfortunately. The tint limit is only 50% too. There have been petitions to get rid of the front plate (especially since there are a ton of Wisconsin drivers around the Twin Cities that only require a plate on the back) and to change the tint limit, but to no avail.

[kamek]

needs more low

[GThex]

Looks nice...I need these.

[db0mbase]

looks nice, im definitely going with KWv1 for my 335xDrive.

Are you on any spacers? And what size rims are those?

[Jeffman]

I agree 100%!!! That's why I did my 2008 Xi with KW v1s back in 2009. 20000 miles later they are still great!!!! Other than the left front dust boot being a little off the car is as planted and firm as my father's 1980 320i that Inlearned to drive 30 years ago. You'll have great fun with yours, too. Best of luck!

[zipstic]

Originally Posted by db0mbase

looks nice, im definitely going with KWv1 for my 335xDrive.

Are you on any spacers? And what size rims are those?

I do not have spacers. Wheels are 19x8 ET 35 front and 19x9 ET 38 rear.

[Alen E90]

your E92 is sitting great now with the V1's, btw..very nice write-up, thanks for sharing

[zipstic]

Originally Posted by Alen E90

your E92 is sitting great now with the V1's, btw..very nice write-up, thanks for sharing

Thanks!

[Fun w/N54]

How about front tire size on your 19 wheels? I'm running 245 40 17 on 17x8 square right now on stock 2009 e92 xdrive. How much adjustment do you have in the front and how much clearance between tire and spring perch?

[zipstic]

Originally Posted by Fun w/N54

How about front tire size on your 19 wheels? I'm running 245 40 17 on 17x8 square right now on stock 2009 e92 xdrive. How much adjustment do you have in the front and how much clearance between tire and spring perch?

Tires are 225/35/19 front and 265/30/19 rear.

The V1's could still be adjusted lower. I'll see if I can take some pictures that show the tire and perch.

[stupordave]

My next mod for sure. Mind telling me how much the switch cost you?